EARLY FOREIGN PENETRATION IN THE HOLY LAND DURING THE LATE OTTOMAN PERIOD: THE ROLE OF BRITAIN

English (OpenAlex)

Western foreign interest in controlling the Holy Land throughout history has been successful on several occasions, such as during the crusades and the British occupation in the twentieth century. However, modern interest in occupying this land began in earnest with Napoleon’s occupation of Egypt and with his failed attempt to occupy the Holy Land during which he called for the ‘restoration’ of Jews to Palestine. His campaign had two long-term consequences: it instigated British interest, which in turn, mingled with the idea of “Jewish Restoration” to Palestine in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. Evangelical Christian groups were the first to promote the idea of an official political representation, which led to the opening of a British consulate in Jerusalem during the occupation of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Other Western powers followed suit, with the aim of consolidating their influence and penetrating the region. The British were able to consolidate their influence and penetration of the region through initially establishing a consulate in Jerusalem and this was followed by many steps until the occupation of the Holy Land in the fall of 1917 and the subsequent establishment of a Zionist client-state that would serve Western interests in the region.